Birmingham midfielder Nicky Butt is expected to be fined around two weeks’ wages – £80,000 (€116,000) – after walking out on the team prior to Monday’s defeat at West Ham.

Nicky Butt has issued a public apology for walking out on Birmingham before their Barclays Premiership defeat at West Ham.

West Ham manager Alan Pardew believes there is a gambling culture among his players which he is determined to “police”.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and Bolo Zenden have both attempted to play down the significance of a team meeting last Sunday to discuss the side’s poor form ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Bordeaux.

Watford could have goalkeeper Ben Foster back for the trip to Barclays Premiership champions Chelsea.

Celtic defender Mark Wilson could be out for up to eight weeks with the knee injury sustained against Rangers last Sunday.

Newcastle will hand a first start to their on-loan striker Giuseppe Rossi for tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie with Portsmouth at St James’ Park.

George Best remains in intensive care but is "okay" according to the doctor responsible for his care.

Tottenham coach Martin Jol will be without four long-term absentees for the visit of north London rivals Arsenal.

Aston Villa have secured a long-term deal with Nike who will become the club’s official sportswear partner from the 2007-2008 campaign.

Jose Mourinho revealed that John Terry will not be back for Chelsea’s Champions League match against Porto after the champions ground out a 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Plymouth have been handed a home tie in the FA Cup quarter-finals today after drawing Premiership bottom side Watford.

Roy Keane has warned managers cannot be responsible for their players 24 hours a day.

Nedum Onuoha is set to start alongside Sylvain Distin in central defence as Manchester City look to leapfrog Bolton by beating the Trotters at the Reebok Stadium.

Alex Ferguson is hopeful of having Paul Scholes (migraine), Alan Smith (chest infection) and Wes Brown (groin) available for tomorrow’s trip to Arsenal.

El-Hadji Diouf should return from suspension to give Bolton added firepower for their Barclays Premiership clash with Liverpool at the Reebok Stadium.

Paul Robinson is a major doubt for West Brom’s Barclays Premiership encounter with Tottenham at the Hawthorns.

Roy Keane was given a rapturous welcome by the Celtic supporters when he finally made his first appearance at Parkhead as a Hoops player.

West Ham striker David Bellion is set to join Nice on loan with a view to a permanent transfer.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has insisted his club have no intention of selling striker Fernando Torres.